Music Monday: The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers have two of my favorite B's: Banjo & Beards. 

Now that that is out of the way, if you've read any of my previous MM posts its no surprise that The Avett Brothers are being featured. I love folk music and their blend of folk and country hits the spot. There is something about their music that has always reminded me of home. When doing my long solo drive from college back into the valley for holiday weekends I would toss on some of their tunes and it became my personal anthem for all things related to the valley. I mean, it doesn't get more country than beards and banjos right? Or maybe it doesn't get more indie... either way this band is perfect for setting the mood of a dusty valley backdrop. 

Currently, this song is playing in heavy rotation in my ipod:

Wish List

Since I won't be out shopping with all the crazies on Black Friday I figured a wish list of the things I would like to have this year would be fitting.

First, the things that are unrealistic to add to my wish list:

Macbook Pro:

It's so shiny and pretty, who wouldn't want one?

Nissan Versa:

I don't know why I like you so much but I want you to be mine.

John Kransinski & Glenn Howerton Hybrid:

Ahhhhh... uh, I got lost in my fantasy, where was I?


Now for the things I really want (Well, I want the things above but that's not gonna happen... at least not anytime soon. A girl can dream though, right?):

Polaroid Notes:
I love sending letters and these are adorable, although I think I would have a hard time sending them since they are so fun.

Turntable:
I have lots of records begging to be played & turned into mp3s on this little guy.

Very Sunny Christmas:
If I can't have a John/Glenn Hybrid then I should at least have this.

500 Days of Summer:
Zooey is my fashion muse. Thus, I need this to stay inspired.

Journal:
I want a fancy leather bound journal for my next 365-esque project.


And if someone could figure out how to give me the gift of time/money to spend on the things I enjoy with the people I love then you can forget alll that other stuff because that's what I really want.


So, what's on your wish list?

Work Shmerk: Fancy

No Music Monday post today. Mostly because I got caught up doing other things and by the time I realized it was Monday I wasn't feeling motivated to write an entire post about a band.

I would say that I was too busy to do a MM post but really this is what I did at work today:

If you don't know about Fancy, here is a quick run down:

• She is a brat.
• She believes that my sole purpose in the office is to play, pet and pay attention to her.
• She thinks that anything I'm doing she should be doing too including: sitting in front of my computer monitor, trying to "meow" in the phone while I'm taking a conference call, chewing on my paperwork and trying to eat/drink my food during my lunch break.

I suppose we could consider this post to be a MM since there is awesome New Orleans style music playing in the background....

Gratitude Tuesday: Change

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Bad change.
Good change.
Scary change.
Forcing change.
Trusting change.
Unexpected change.
Running away from change.
Extra change (in your pocket).

Music Monday: The Temper Trap

When I like a band I wear them out. I will listen to them when I shower, as I'm dressing, eating breakfast, commuting to work.... you get the picture. My entire day will be filled with their music until one day I find another band and start the cycle all over.
 

In terms of The Temper Trap, I haven't worn out their album as much as I have a specific song. I'm absolutely 100% obsessed with their song Sweet Disposition. It has caught my full attention and has been in heavy rotation ever since.

I’m not in love with their music video, I have a completely different concept of what the song means to me and it has nothing to do traveling beams of light and a roller derby woman. But I like the song all the same:


The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

The Temper Trap | MySpace Video

Things I Love: Blogs

Since my last post featured one of my favorite blogs, PostSecret, I figured that I would share a few more blogs that are on my list of daily/weekly reads:

Le Love Image:


Anything and everything about love is featured. I check this blog almost daily; it's romantic, sappy, cute, heartbreaking... you know, just generally girly and nausting. But I can't help but love it.

Design Sponge:


It’s do-it-yourself heaven! I love arts and crafts and this blog is always filling me up with new ideas for projects.

Fuck That Band:


If you take emo/pop/punk/hipster bands seriously don’t check out this blog. If you like making fun of said bands then check out this blog.

Once Wed:


I’m not going to be heading down the aisle anytime soon but I love this blog. The photography is beautiful and I love checking out all the personal touches that are used in the weddings featured. It inspires my own crafty adventures.

Daytrotter:


This site is my ultimate indie music resource. They have great interviews, reviews, videos and unique illustrations.


Any blogs/websites that are apart of your daily/weekly reads?

Gratitude Tuesday: PostSecret

I love PostSecret. It's become apart of a weekend ritual that closes Sunday leading into Monday. The best part of PostSecret is that it's honest in the most endearing way possible. Good, bad, funny, sad, indifferent- it all makes me feel like not being normal is normal. If you've never checked PostSecret out go to the book store or visit their blog. It'll make you come back for more.

Music Monday: Vampire Weekend

My pick this week is Vampire Weekend because, well, I'll be seeing them this evening. I don't think I need much more of a reason than that.


I'm expecting a great night with plenty of dancing.

Things I Love: Cheer Up Stuff

Great TV. It's sad but The Office, 30 Rock and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia always make me laugh no matter how crappy of a day I've had.



Mike & Ike. This candy makes my tummy happy.

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Beaner. She is the only one who doesn't care about anything but sitting with me and sometimes that's all you need to feel better.



iTunes Genius. Perfect playlists every time for every mood. If only iTunes had this for everything else in life.

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Stella. There are much more responsible ways to fix a bad day but sometimes a cold beer is the best remedy.

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So, what are the things that cheer you up?

Gratitude Tuesday: Perfectly Imperfect

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Today I'm feeling grateful for the little things that other people do that may not seem loveable, special, cute etc. but somehow they are because you love them. 

I'm a firm believer that everyone feels this way about the people they love. It's the loud annoying laugh that comforts you when you're feeling down, the outlandish hand gestures that make even the most boring story interesting, the intense squint that lets you know they're thinking long and hard before giving you an answer that wont have them in hot water, the sigh that signals annoyance but they'll never admit it.....

I could go on and on. Whether its a significant other, best friend, family memeber, or co-worker it all counts. So, what are some not so "loveable" things that you love about your favorite person/people?  

Music Monday: Dawes

I'm a sucker for soulful guitar. 

That being said Dawes is pure folk rock. Their album North Hills has an old school rock vibe with a dash of folk. Making it safe for purists who believe rock died in the 70's and hipster kids who enjoy "modern" folk (whatever that means). 

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon them at my favorite weekend haunt and they were great. As soon as they finished their set I went over to the merch table and snapped up their album. They were that good and I never buy cds. They recently got some press in Rolling Stone, so hopefully that will be the push you need to at least give one of their songs a listen. It wont disappoint.